Journeysongs (3rd ed.) ‎#319

319. The Snow Lay on the Ground

1 The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite, adoremus Dominum,
Venite, adoremus Dominum.

Refrain:
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.

2 'Twas Mary, Virgin pure of holy Anne,
That brought into this world the God made man.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
The ass and oxen shared the roof with them. [Refrain]

3 Saint Joseph, too, was near to tend the child;
To guard him and protect his mother mild:
The angels hover'd 'round, and sang this song:
Venite, adoremus Dominum. [Refrain]

4 And thus that manger poor became a throne;
For he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heav'nly host,
To praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The snow lay on the ground
• Title: The Snow Lay on the Ground
• Refrain First Line: Venite adoremus Dominum
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
• Language: English; Latin
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 7:14
• Topic: The Liturgical Year: Christmas (Days of); The Liturgical Year: Mary, the Holy Mother of God; The Liturgical Year: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
• Source: 19th cent.; anon.

Tune Information

• Name: VENITE ADOREMUS
• Arranger: Randall DeBruyn, b. 1947
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: Trad. Melody; Adapt: Catholic Hymns, Albany, New York, 1860
• Copyright: Arr. © 1990, OCP